Safety
Kidde Smart Hardwired Smoke Alarm (RGSAR-RW) with Ring App & AA Backup
Review
Overview
The Kidde RGSAR-RW smart smoke alarm is a hardwired photoelectric detector designed to link with the Ring app and other Kidde units via wireless interconnect. It provides voice alerts, a prominent 85 dB alarm, and mobile notifications when paired to the Ring ecosystem. The detector is certified to UL 217 and complies with FCC regulations.
What’s included and physical details
Each package contains the smoke alarm unit, a circular mounting base with locking mechanism, and the wiring connector harness compatible with standard hardwired detector circuits. The housing is impact-resistant ABS plastic with a low-profile round design roughly 5.5 inches across and about 1.5 inches deep, sized to fit common ceiling or wall mounts. Backup power is provided by two AA batteries installed in the detector’s compartment.
Performance and operation
Kidde’s updated sensing reduces nuisance triggers from cooking compared with earlier Kidde models and is engineered to respond more quickly than competing units in internal tests. One Ring-enabled detector can report alarms from all interconnected Kidde devices in the same loop, allowing mobile alerts for any triggered hardwired alarm after pairing. After power is restored, units enter Wi‑Fi setup mode for a limited time to complete app configuration.
Connectivity and extras
The alarm works with Alexa-enabled devices for voice notifications and can be paired to optional professional monitoring services through Ring (monitoring subscription sold separately). It includes spoken warnings, a visible standby LED, and meets industry safety standards for home smoke detection.
Pros
- Ring app notifications and Alexa compatibility
- Wireless interconnect lets one smart unit report whole-home alerts
- Photoelectric sensing reduces nuisance alarms
Cons
- Some units may show earlier manufacture dates—check before install
- Requires basic wiring work for hardwired installation
- Uses 2 AA batteries for backup that need periodic replacement
VerdictThis Kidde RGSAR-RW is a solid option if you want a hardwired smoke alarm that integrates with the Ring ecosystem. It offers faster smoke sensing than prior models, wireless interconnect so one smart unit can report triggers for the whole network, and voice alerts plus an 85 dB horn. Setup is straightforward for homeowners comfortable with basic wiring, and it supports Alexa notifications. Keep an
Reviews
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Scott K 5/5
Easy swap for existing Ring system
I swapped my old detectors for this model to match my Ring setup. It was a perfect fit and the app setup was quick and painless.
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Jamsmith 5/5
Ideal for remote-monitored vacation house
Needed a detector I could check from afar with my Ring system. It integrated into my existing wired circuit without issue and the instructions made the Ring connection straightforward. If you use Ring, this adds useful remote visibility.
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ACH of MA 5/5
Simple setup, no false alarms so far (30 days)
I installed five of these and paired them to my Ring app. Setup was smooth and in 30 days I’ve had no spurious alarms. Older hardwired Kidde units in our building sometimes triggered unexpectedly and it was hard to know which unit was sounding; having Ring notifications clearly identifies the source.
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Truth and nothing but ... 1/5
Got older stock — check manufacture dates
I received five units that all had manufacture dates 18–19 months earlier. Kidde’s service life is ten years from the manufacture date, so I returned them rather than install units that had already sat on shelves for a long time.
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T. Wright 5/5
Good design and Ring integration
Performs as advertised. The standby light is easier to see than older models and it uses a different quick-disconnect plug—if you’re comfortable replacing harnesses it’s straightforward. Uses two AA batteries for backup. The Ring-linked unit will report alarms from other Kidde detectors on the loop.
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Gene 4/5
Very pleased with installation and connectivity
Worked well for me. Installation was easy and it connected quickly to both my Alexa and Ring systems. I found the same model offered for less from other online sellers.
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Juniorverse 5/5
No false alarms; connects to Ring without extra apps
Replaced expired Nest Protect units with these. Setup through the Ring app was easy — after power-up the detector stays in Wi‑Fi setup mode long enough to scan the barcode and complete pairing. So far, no false activations.
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